Financial assistance for producers affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Nora

Flood-damaged producers across the Cassowary Coast and Hinchinbrook Shire Council regions are again eligible for natural disaster assistance, along with a number of other shires after Severe Tropical Cyclone Nora delivered more heavy rain.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said Category B assistance was activated for the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Etheridge Shire, Croydon Shire, Carpentaria Shire, and the Douglas Shire Council.

“Just as producers were drying out from the flooding that affected the Hinchinbrook Shire and Cassowary Coast Regions in late February and early March, Severe Tropical Cyclone Nora brought more significant rainfall,” Mr Furner said.

“Departmental staff had performed impact assessments and Category B assistance under the joint Queensland and Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) was activated, and now after more assessments post Cyclone Nora, we have again activated Category B assistance for producers.

“Damage assessments are still ongoing and in coastal areas indicate damage to crops notably bananas and cane and infrastructure damage.

“For graziers, assessments indicate damage to fences, dams and other infrastructure and the potential for significant stock losses.

“Category B assistance will help these affected producers with assistance including concessional loans of up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 and freight subsidies of up to $5,000.

Mr Furner said primary producers who have suffered major damage outside the above declared areas may apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration.

“An IDSP provides access to Queensland Government assistance similar to the Category B NDRRA of freight subsidies and concessional loans,” he said.

“I will be advised if we need further additions to Category B activation, or if we need to consider higher levels of assistance from the Australian Government under NDRRA as more information comes to hand.”

Category B Natural Disaster Assistance loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments. For more information or to apply visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 623 946.

ENDS

Media – Tim Auguston 0417 768 626